There is a card for Robert in the Flintshire Roll of Honour at the County Archive Office in Hawarden. It gives the address as Cambrian Villas (High Street) was completed by his father and tells a remarkable story. ‘Mentioned in disptaches twice. Promoted Lieut Welsh Reg in 1914 and Cptn Feb 1916 for distinguished service in the field. Wounded June 1916 returned to France Dec 1916 and was acting Brigade Major till March 1917 when he went to India and joined the 15th Sikhs and died ( from the effects of wounds received in France ) at Mure Cashmier India Sept 22 1917
Signed T J Roberts’

Robert Jesse Adams Roberts was born in 1895 in Mold. He first appeared on a census in 1901 when he was living with his family in 48 New Street Mold. The head of the family and father was Thomas John Roberts 35, a self employed ironmonger who hailed originally from Cilcain. His wife was Frances 33 from Mold. They had three sons Robert Jesse Adams 6, Evan Idris 4 and Thomas Herbert 6 months.

Ten years later in the 1911 census the family was still in Mold and still running an ironmongery business. Head of the household Thomas was then 45, his wife of 17 years, Frances was 40 Robert Jesse Adamswas 16 and an apprentice. The other children were at school Evan Idris14, Thomas Herbert 10 and Elizabeth Ada 8. There was a resident domestic servant Elizabeth Jane Smith 22.

Robert enlisted at the very beginning of the war. He was only 19 when he was first ‘Gazetted’. The London Gazette of 21st December 1914 reported that on the 26th November Robert Jesse Adams Roberts had been promoted to the rank of Second Lieutenant.

The London Gazette of 31st May 1916 carried the report of Robert’s DSO award for ‘Conspicuous Gallantry.

He led a party to lay a torpedo in the enemy’s wire. When the torpedo failed to explode he made, with a lance corporal a very gallant attempt to get it back. When shown up by a bright flame emitted by the burning torpedo he was attacked at 15 yards’ distance by several of the enemy, but both he and his companion threw bombs which caused casualties, and got back safely. The torpedo was destroyed.

Sadly he was mentioned again the Gazette on 4th April 1919. His rank of Temporary Captain was confirmed as Captain retrospectively.

Capt Robert Jesse Adams Roberts DSO (since deceased). Welsh Regiment 6th May 1917 but to rank from 26th August 1916

We are very keen to learn more about this remarkable soldier and would love to hear from anyone who can tell us more.